The Minister stated this at the cabinet decision media briefing held March(16) at the Department of Government Information.

He mentioned that the issue of rice prices is being discussed in the Cabinet and the government is expecting to provide rice at concessionary prices.

When inquired about the increase in prices of legumes including chickpeas, the Minister said that the increase in prices was due to the sharp decline in production triggered by pandemic in countries including India last year.

The prices of such products in the world market have also increased and therefore the government will be paying more attention to our food security and promote local crops as much as possible, he said.

Minister Pathirana stated that the government hopes that with the increase in production, it would be possible to purchase these items back at concessionary prices in the next few months.